Description
A hearty and comforting Cheesy Ground Beef Tater Tot Casserole featuring browned seasoned beef mixed with creamy mushroom soup and sour cream, layered beneath golden, crispy tater tots and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a family-friendly dinner that combines savory flavors and satisfying textures.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook Beef Mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic until the beef is browned and the onion is tender. Drain any excess fat to reduce greasiness.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the condensed cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, Worcestershire sauce if using, and season with salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to meld flavors.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the beef mixture evenly across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to create a flavorful base layer.
- Add Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single even layer over the beef mixture, ensuring full coverage for a crispy topping.
- Initial Bake: Bake the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to cook the tater tots and heat through the beef mixture.
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the casserole from the oven, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly on top, then return to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the tater tots are golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole stand for 5 minutes after baking to set before serving, allowing the flavors to settle and making it easier to portion.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add chopped green chilies or diced bell peppers to the beef mixture.
- You can substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or celery soup if preferred.
- To reduce fat, use lean ground beef or ground turkey.
- Letting the casserole rest prevents the tater tots from becoming soggy and makes serving easier.
- Make ahead and refrigerate assembled casserole up to 24 hours before baking.
- Feel free to add a crunchy topping with crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs mixed with a little melted butter before baking.
